FOR 08: Cognitive distortions

Explain what is meant by hostile attribution bias, using an example to illustrate how it may be involved in rationalising / justifying criminal behaviour (4)

* Judging situations as aggressive and/or threatening...

* ...when in reality they may not be

* e.g., may misinterpret being looked at as inviting confrontation...

* ... and act disproportionately in return - i.e. respond with violence

Explain what Schönenberg and Justye's (2014) research showed about hostile attribution bias (3)

* Found violent offenders were more likely than non-offenders to perceive ambiguous facial expressions...

* ...as angry and hostile.

* Offenders misread non-aggressive cues.

Explain what is meant by minimalisation, using an example to illustrate how it may be involved in rationalising / justifying criminal behaviour (3)

* Downplaying the significance of an event or emotion...

* ...as a means of dealing with guilt

* e.g., a burglar who justifies their actions as 'providing for their family'...

* ... or a child molester who says 'I was just being affectionate'.

Identify two results from Barbaree's (1991) research on minimalisation in imprisoned rapists

* 54% denied committing the crime

* A further 40 % minimised harm caused

Explain applications of research into cognitive distortions (3)

* Understanding cognitive distortions helps treat criminal behaviour, e.g.

* CBT helps offenders to 'face up' to their behaviour with a less distorted view of their actions.

* Acceptance of one's crimes is a key feature of anger management.